Former West Ham fan favourite James Collins says he’ll “never say a bad word” about the club despite the sore end to his career. West Ham released Collins in summer 2018 after 11 years of service across two spells.
But Collins found out he was leaving via an email. This is disrespectful and distasteful given the service the Welsh international has given to West Ham. But while Collins admits he was disappointed, he adds that the club gave him the chance for a good career.
James Collins discusses his email exit
Speaking on Sky Sports show Soccer AM, Collins said: “It’s a shame how it ended. Obviously, I was there for 11 years. That club gave me everything – I’ll never say a bad word about West Ham. I’m a supporter of the club, I love being there. I know football and all good things come to an end. I won’t say bad about the club because they were great to me.”
Since Collins left West Ham, he has not returned or been invited back. The veteran centre-back was a free agent for a while before joining Ipswich Town and impressing in the Championship.
But West Ham released Collins and only told him via email. The very least they can do is invite him back as a special guest at some point. Collins confirmed on Soccer AM: “I walked out after 11 years and, unfortunately, I’ve never really been back.”
When he revealed this on Soccer AM, it prompted a disappointed response from Jimmy Bullard, who gave a lecture about the ruthlessness of the football industry. West Ham should have shown more respect to such a loyal player, who was loved by the fans.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
